Copper Water Pipe
This information reflects our best understanding of product composition in 2021.
Water lines are constructed with Type K, L, and M, hard temper copper alloy C12200, with the type referring to the thickness of the pipe wall for any given nominal pipe size, in accordance with ASTM B88. Type K, L, and M pipes are seamless and...
Water lines are constructed with Type K, L, and M, hard temper copper alloy C12200, with the type referring to the thickness of the pipe wall for any given nominal pipe size, in accordance with ASTM B88. Type K, L, and M pipes are seamless and identifiable by green, blue, and red stripes respectively, where trademark and country of origin information is stamped.
While copper pipes have few health hazards associated with them, they can be prone to corrosion depending on the pH of the water and other factors such as salts and other chemicals that are dissolved in the water. Chemicals added during water treatment processes can also reduce the pH of the water and lead to corrosion of copper pipes. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Lead and Copper Rule requires all water systems to be periodically monitored for lead and copper levels. While lead and copper are rarely detected in drinking water supplies, corrosion can cause copper ions from pipes to leach into the water, particularly in older homes. To combat this problem water utilities add corrosion inhibitors to water. In addition, solders and joints used to join copper pipes for potable water systems may introduce additional hazards not covered by this Common Product.
A historical version of this Common Product is available here: https://pharos.habitablefuture.org/common-products/2209586